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CITC invites you to explore our brand new site, gotravelcertified.ca,
dedicated to
consumers who are looking to purchase
travel services
from the best the industry has to offer! |
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What is a Travel Counsellor? |
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Travel counsellors are the front-line workers in the travel industry, providing services to clients regarding travel destinations. Travel counsellors advise clients on travel options and tour packages, make bookings and reservations, prepare tickets and receive payment. They are employed in travel agencies, transportation and tourism firms and hotel chains.
Corporate counsellors specialize in the provision of services to business travelers.
Leisure counsellors specialize in services related to vacation and holiday travel.
Counsellors may also choose to specialize in product areas such as cruises, group travel, incentive travel or adventure travel.
The majority of a counsellor's time (75%) is spent providing customer service and counselling to travellers and in selling travel to consumers. Processing reservations and ticketing accounts for the other 25% of their time.
A college diploma or other training is often required to work in the industry but the only definite prerequisite is a high school diploma.
The most important Essential Skills for travel counsellors are:
- Numeracy (basic arithmetic skills)
- Oral Communication
- Finding Information
- Computer Skills
Travel counsellors:
- advise clients on travel options and tour packages
- make bookings and reservations
- prepare tickets
- receive payments
- are employed by travel agencies, hotel chains, and transportation and tourism firms
- provide travel information to clients regarding destinations, transportation, and accommodation options, and on travel costs
- organize vacation travel for individuals or for groups
- make transportation and accommodation reservations using computerized reservation and ticketing systems
- sell single-fare tickets and package tours to clients
- promote particular destinations, tour packages, and other travel services
- provide travel tips regarding tourist attractions, foreign currency, customs, languages, and travel safety
- provide information about and arrange tickets for theatres and special events
- sell cruise holidays
- arrange car or motorhome rentals and rail travel
- sell insurance for medical, baggage, or life
Travel counsellors may also:
- counsel clients on terms and conditions of travel, e.g., reservation policies and cancellation information
- discuss potential situations, e.g., political unrest
- confer on required vaccinations
- determine where to obtain most up-to-date information on intended destination
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What Skills does a Travel Counsellor require? |
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 Essential Skills
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How do you get started in a travel career? |
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Individuals interested in acquiring training to become a travel counsellor should consult the list of CITC endorsed travel Programs.
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Acquire the Certified Travel Counsellor designation |
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Travel Counsellor Certification is based on an individual’s ability to perform the knowledge and performance tasks required to meet travel industry expectations for employment. Click here for detailed information on Certification.
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Membership in the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors |
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CITC offers various membership categories to the industry, along with benefits to help nurture, promote and energize your career. Please click here to find out more about membership in Canada's only association for individual travel professionals.
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